Arsenal are set to kick-start their January transfer window shopping a little earlier than usual following series of injury concerns currently rocking the team.

Reports currently making the rounds are suggesting that Borussia Dortmund captain Mats Hummels has expressed his pleasure with reports linking him with moves to clubs beyond the shores of Germany.

The defender is something of a goldfish in the transfer market as just about every top club in Europe has declared interest in capturing the superstar defender. Real Madrid and PSG are thought to be the leading contenders outside England, while Manchester United and Arsenal are presumed to be favourites to battle it out for the defender’s signature.

Hummels, 26, has been on the rise ever since he established himself as one of the cornerstones of Jurgen Klopp’s title-winning teams at the Westfalenstadion. Amidst the wave of exits which has swept through the club over the years, his steadfastness to the club has seen him rewarded with the captaincy this term, creating the impression that he will not be available for any inspiring suitor.

He has, however, admitted to being flattered by the interest of the likes of Arsenal in signing him, giving a hint as to the possibility of such a move happening in the future. In a chat with the BundesLiga Magazin International, Hummels said,

“it’s nice to hear that big clubs like that are interested in you”

but went on to say that he is indeed not fazed by the speculation, ruling out any move away from Dortmund at this time, especially not for financial reason.

“There will always be someone who can pay more than BVB but Dortmund have made a lot of progress during my times here. In any case, I believe it’s enough for me”.

Dortmund’s financial demands have seen them take the image of a selling club in recent times, having let Mario Goetze go to rivals Bayern Munich two years ago for a BundesLiga record transfer fee. Jurgen Klopp always manages to rebuild with the meager resources available to him and so it may also happen that they will survive even in Hummel’s absence.

Arsene Wenger would love to sign a defender of the caliber of Hummels, who was a star for the German team as they cruised to global glory in Brasil. With an established German contingent, Hummels may yet be the most important German in the team if Wenger makes a successful coup for him.

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